An individual who spiked sweets with tranquilliser and gave them to youngsters at a summer program in the area has admitted sexual crimes against two children aged between nine and ten.
Jon Ruben was arrested after eight minors and an older person experienced illness at the facility in mid-summer.
The 76-year-old, from the Nottinghamshire area, admitted guilt to a total of 17 charges when he stood at the judicial center on recently.
Nevertheless, he denied a single sexual charge he was accused of, which was concerning a nine-year-old boy.
Ruben was held in detention ahead of a further hearing on late November.
'Sweet game'
The prosecutor, prosecuting, outlined the criminal behavior to the legal proceedings.
She stated his targets were disadvantaged youngsters who were staying at a youth camp which he ran.
Ruben conducted a "candy game" with the youngsters, Mrs Prior explained, in which he would go into the sleeping quarters when they were settling down and tell them to consume candy "as quickly as they can".
She stated to the judge Ruben had engaged in this activity with the children "repeatedly", and youngsters had earlier experienced illness the subsequent day.
She said Ruben had been capable of justifying this for many years as the children being "overexcited from fun", until his family member had concerns in summer 2025.
The prosecutor continued: "Recently" his stepson had worries about the activities, for good reason.
"They resolved" to investigate in the defendant's belongings."
Mrs Prior KC stated materials including lubricant, petroleum jelly and medical needles were located, and his stepson alerted the authorities about his suspicions.
She stated the defendant continued to play the "sweet game" with six boys that evening - that Saturday - and they were all sick the following morning.
"Authorities" had not responded by that point," she added.
The oversight body, the Independent Office for Police Conduct, earlier informed that it was examining law enforcement's management of the situation.
The legal representative stated the children were having difficulty walking due to their condition, so the family member called the police a second time.
She said the man then played the "candy game" in a room of five youngsters.
